hope

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?

and why art thou disquieted in me?

hope thou in God:

for I shall yet praise him

for the help of his countenance.

[Psalm 42:5]

Self Portrait

Week #4 and surprisingly I am still in it!

And even though I really did not want to post a self portrait, 

I am breaking out of my comfort zone to do so!

Happy shooting!

 

I Dreamed a Dream

Everybody dreams.

Everybody has hopes for the future.

When I saw the theme for this week I immediately knew what I wanted to take a picture of...

It's a table? you may ask.

But it is not just any table.  At this table have been multiple family meals, countless discussions, tears cried and joys shared.

At this table we have scrapbooked.

At this table we have made Christmas candy.

At this table mom has helped each of us make posters and teaching visuals for college classes.

At this table we have prayed together.

At this table we have held many dinner parties and served countless friends.

At this table we have done crafts and science fair projects.

At this table we have played games.

At this table a family has grown together.

I have dreamed a dream that someday I too will have a table like this one.

I have dreamed a dream that someday we will all gather back round this same table with our extended families and reminisce on all the memories made.

I dream a dream... 

{Linking up for week 3 of the P52 challenge!}

Made w/love:

It was simple gesture, but nonetheless one of love.

Friday nights are often homemade pizza night at home.

My mom makes the most amazing and delicious pizza,

and usually we just stick with your basic toppings.

Last night I mentioned how I love supreme pizza.

I came home from work tonight with a headache

 and quite starved.

When I walked in the door,

 I was greeted with an amazing aroma... 

Mom's homemade pizza.

And, a supreme one made just for me.

Truly it is the simple things that make my day! 

[Happy to link up for week two of Darcy's photo challenge]

 

Resolution

 A resolution is a determining course of action.

This year I want to push myself to be better in every area of life.

I want to learn patience and take time to cherish those I hold dear.

I don't want to take the good times for granted, nor be afraid of difficulties.

Because when you stop and look around this life is pretty amazing!

Excited about joining in this year's Project 52 with Darcy.

 

A Christmas Wedding

Last week James and Michelle were married.

Their Christmas wedding was absolutely beautiful!

I was in complete awe of their wedding cake and found myself snapping more pictures of it than anything else... :)

I also found myself being drawn to the candy table multiple times!

Liz made a beautiful matron of honor.

 Liz & EJ

Michelle's brother and her adorable nephew

Merry Christmas

May we not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but take time to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

Merry Christmas!

Mitchell Family

 I was able to do a  quick Christmas card photo shoot for a family in my church.

These kids are too cute and made for easy photo-taking!

Merry Christmas from the Mitchell family!

An exchange of services

Meet Eebee.

She is a student at my church's local college and comes from the country of Mongolia,

missionaries sent out from my church are ministering there.

Eebee is in my prayer group and recently commented that she had never gotten her pictures professionally taken and that she would like to as it is her senior year so as to show family and friends back home.

I, in no means consider myself a professional, but upon hearing her say this I thought it would be fun to take her portraits for her.

Eebee is a phenomenal seamstress and so we came to an agreement that I would take her pictures in exchange for her sewing something for me.

I had  a great time taking this sweet young woman's pictures and I am excited about choosing something for her to sew for me as well!

Thankfulness Part III

I count myself so blessed to be part of a great church family.

God has put so many wonderful and wiser people in my path and for that I am truly grateful.

When I go to church it is always exactly what I needed.

Sometimes it may not even be from the message, but instead from a single gesture or words of another Christian.

Just last night, as I was walking out of church I was approached by a woman, who grabbed me by the elbow and whispered in my ear,

Nicole, I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you.

Her words humbled me.  There are so many people in the church who really need prayer -

some have cancer, others have lost a loved one, some are going through a trial...

And yet, this woman has chosen to pray for me - a single young woman.

It is moments like those that I find myself saying, 

Thank you Lord, I am truly blessed.